Case study: SUSTAINABLE BUILDING DESIGN

The Case Example

The Nanaimo Regional General Hospital emergency services department was constructed in 2012. After the build, NRGH received a LEED Gold Certification for the emergency department, which is the second highest level of green building certification. [1]

Typically when a hospital is constructed, little thought is put into the needs of the staff who use the spaces everyday. Instead, planning is usually approved from the head administration which means most of the focus is on minimizing costs of construction. The planning process for NRGH was unique in that collaborative efforts were undertaken to ensure that all stakeholders were involved. The initial planning meeting included architects and administration, but also doctors, nurses, and cleaning staff. During the discussion, staff were asked to express what values of a workplace environment were important to them, which helped to guide the architects in designing a usable and efficient space. [2,3]

The SUSTAINABLE features

Electronic glazing in the treatment cubicles.

Electronic glazing replaces the need for curtains, thereby eliminating the need to wash and replace them routinely. Although this represented a higher upfront cost, employing someone to continually replace the curtains, and the continual laundering of curtains, is actually a much greater cost in the long run. From a sustainability perspective the glazing system reduces energy and water use. Infection control needs are also increased since curtains tend to collect microbes more easily, especially if they aren’t replaced often. Plus, not having to wait for someone to change the curtains between patients aids in overall throughput of patients and improves wait times.

Displacement ventilation and natural ventilation.

Air is pushed passively out of large vents near the floor and is sucked out near the ceiling instead of being pushed down from the ceiling. This passive system allows for decreased energy use and operation costs. There is also better infection control as particles in the air are removed near the ceiling instead of being pushed back down onto patients and staff. Additionally, the use of windows that could be opened allowing for natural ventilation from outside decreases energy requirements even further.

Green spaces.

Courtyards were added to the new department which contain trees and vegetation. Environmentally speaking, the natural light that can shine through the windows means that less energy is required for lighting and heating during the daytime. Interestingly, there has been higher patient satisfaction and less sick days reported by staff.

Also, within the psychiatric emergency area, an enclosed courtyard was added along with a large wall of doors which could open completely into the outdoor space. This courtyard allows patients to access the fresh air without leaving the hospital which is especially useful during lengthy psychiatric assessments.